HeyWhatsNew: Amazon Launches an Even More Affordable Platform, and Donald Trump Victory Chases X Users to Bluesky
Welcome back to this week’s edition of HeyWhatsNew! As we dive into the latest and greatest in tech, entertainment, and innovation, we’ve got some exciting news headlines lined up.
Polymarket Is Under FBI and DOJ Investigation
The FBI recently raided the home of the 26-year-old founder of Polymarket, a cryptocurrency-based election prediction platform. NDTV reports that the raid on Wednesday involved agents seizing Coplan’s phone and other electronic devices, though they reportedly offered little explanation for their actions.
This investigation comes shortly after Polymarket predicted a decisive victory for former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris, contrasting with other mainstream polls. According to a source speaking to the New York Post, the government may be exploring potential charges of market manipulation, suggesting that Polymarket’s data could have been skewed in Trump’s favor.
Popular YouTube Reviewer MKBHD Records Himself Breaking the Law in a Sponsored Video
Marques Brownlee, the top tech review influencer on YouTube with nearly 20 million followers, has issued an apology after viewers spotted him driving nearly three times over the speed limit in a recent video. Brownlee, known as MKBHD, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that his actions were "absolutely inexcusable and dangerous."
In the video, he was seen driving a Lamborghini at 96 mph through a residential area marked by 35 mph speed-limit signs and a “children playing” sign. Viewers also raised concerns about the video being sponsored by DJI, a drone and camera company, feeling it may have been inappropriate given the circumstances.
NBC News reports that in September, Brownlee faced criticism after launching a digital wallpaper app that offered an ad-free experience at a steep subscription price of $11.99 per month or $49.99 annually. Following backlash from fans, he responded by announcing plans to reduce the amount of data collected and cut back on the frequency of ads in the app's free version, aiming to address user concerns and improve the overall experience.
Amazon Launches a Cheaper Shopping Platform to Compete with Temu and Shein
Amazon has launched a new budget-focused storefront, "Amazon Haul," directly aimed at competing with retail giants like Shein, Temu, and TikTok Shop. The mobile-only experience, which debuted on Wednesday within the Amazon app, offers a range of products—spanning fashion accessories, home goods, clothing, and electronics—priced at $20 or less. According to Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData, Amazon Haul is a response to the growing popularity of Chinese marketplaces among U.S. shoppers, who are drawn to their affordable prices.
However, Amazon Haul’s low-cost offerings come with a few trade-offs. Deliveries may take up to one to two weeks, and while shipping is free on orders over $25, smaller orders incur a $3.99 fee. Additionally, buyers will only be able to make returns on items that cost $3 or more.
Creators Can Now Start Earning Money for Videos on Spotify
Spotify announced on Wednesday a new "Partner Program" to pay podcast hosts who produce popular video content on its platform, in a move to challenge YouTube’s stronghold in video podcasting. This initiative allows creators to earn beyond ad revenue by adding a video component to their podcasts, with payments tied to the engagement levels of their shows.
This program brings Spotify closer to YouTube’s model, where content creators receive billions annually in shared ad revenue. By offering additional financial incentives for video podcasts, Spotify aims to attract more creators to its platform, providing audiences with a richer, more interactive experience.
There May Be a Mass Migration From X to Bluesky
Social media app Bluesky has surged to the top of Apple’s App Store, with Threads close behind, as users migrate away from X following Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election. This wave of departures from Elon Musk’s platform stems from user concerns over Musk’s open support for Trump and his use of X as a campaign tool for the president-elect. According to Similarweb, the day after the election saw over 115,000 deactivations on X—the highest since Musk took ownership.
Bluesky, founded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, has benefited significantly from this shift, now boasting over 15 million users—more than twice its user base just three months ago. This spike highlights the growing demand for alternatives as users look for platforms that align with their values and provide a different experience from Musk’s X.
That wraps up this week’s edition of HeyWhatsNew. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and insights in the world of tech and beyond. We’ll see you next week for more news and tech updates.
